J.R. Ewing - Larry Hagman dies at 81

If you are in your 40's or older, you remember this guy. Larry Hagman, television star and actor best known for the villain character JR Ewing of "Dallas" for the American television audiences has died at the age of 81.

Hagman, suffering from throat cancer, died at a Dallas hospital out of complications from the disease on Friday afternoon, according to a statement from his family.

"Larry was back in his beloved Dallas, re-enacting the iconic role he loved most. He was surrounded by loved ones". Linda Grey who played Sue Ellen, wife of Hagman in Dallas confirmed the death. "Larry Hagman was my best friend for 35 years. He was the Pied Piper of life and brought joy to everyone he knew. He was creative, funny, loving and talented, and I will miss him enormously," said Grey in a statement.

J.R. Ewing in the 14 seasons series "Dallas"

Hagman rose to popularity and became a superstar with "Dallas" which premiered at the CBS network in 1978. The programme which was viewed by at least 300 million people across 57 countries, was revived in June 2012 on TNT network. The night-time soap-opera thick with plots such as back-stabbing, double dealing, family feud, adultery and cheating told the story of a rich Texas family with businesses in oil and cattle.

Hagman's character - J.R. Ewing - with trademark broad cowboy hat and boots stood out in the series, plotting on how to cheat on his wife as well as on his business rivals.

"Some actors do a good job of portraying a character on screen or stage, but then there are other performers who actually become the character. Larry Hagman, one of those iconic few, has almost ceased to exist in his own right, so completely morphed by the character of J.R. Ewing. The very fact that no explanation of J.R. Ewing's identity is necessary illustrates the power of the Texas oilman from the long ago 1970's show, "Dallas."

J.R.Ewings famous expressions

“I never forget those who do me favor and I never forget those who don’t.” J.R. Ewing

“Darlin’ I know your manners are impeccable, but there are some people you just don’t need to be polite to."

Larry Hagman; Alcohol and drugs

In 1967, friend musician David Crosby, supplied Hagman with LSD after a concert:[17] "LSD was such a profound experience in my life that it changed my pattern of life and my way of thinking and I could not exclude it."[18] Hagman was introduced to marijuana by Jack Nicholson, as a safer alternative to Hagman's heavy drinking. "I liked it because it was fun, it made me feel good, and I never had a hangover.".[19] Although Hagman said he no longer smoked marijuana and was on a "Twelve-Step Program", he explained, "Marijuana is like being compared to alcohol and when you come right down to it, alcohol destroys your body and makes you do violent things, but with grass, you just sit back and enjoy life."

While legalizing drugs is something conservative politicians should theoretically agree with, Hagman in a recent interview said, “I think it ought to be mandatory that all our politicians should do it, at least once.”

On his psychedelic journeys using LSD: “It took the fear of death away.”

Larry Hagman and Solar Energy promoting "Made in Germany"

He recently hit headlines for reprising his notorious oil baron character from the 80s show “Dallas,” J.R. Ewing, as a reformed energy pioneer eulogizing renewable resources with the mock-mantra, “Shine, Baby, Shine,” in a new commercial for SolarWorld.